Can any other dressage Riders who also do a little bit of trail riding recommend a vest? Due to being older now and having a couple of falls I would like to get something that offers some protection but will not interfere with the higher cantle on a dressage saddle. Would prefer one that is ASTM or BETA certified…
The Tipperary Eventer vest are very comfortable and should be OK with the higher cantle if you aren’t particularly short in the torso. However, this one isn’t certified - the Tipperary Eventer Pro is certified ASTM/SEI but more expensive and a bit bulkier. Another option is the RaceSafe Provent - more sizing options and BETA certified (higher standards than ASTM) and very comfortable. Also can have shoulder pads if you are interested in those - they have been shown to reduce collar bone breakage. It is super expensive here in the US, but you can get it significantly cheaper from the UK (even including shipping).
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The certifications ensure a series of safety requirements are met so, as with helmets, a cheap one is as ‘safe’ as a pricey one so long as both are certified. The problem with body protectors and air vests is that each design is different and the only way to find one that fits you, your unique body shape, is to try them on, preferably with the assistance of someone who knows how to fit them. As they are always expensive, and as safety and wellbeing are your concern, it is worth getting it right. This is a good excuse for a visit to a tack shop or show.
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I have two vests and like both. I have the Tipperary Eventer Pro, which I find really comfortable and it is certified. The measurements on their sizing chart are accurate, so they will give you a good sense of how long it is in the back. I’m only 5’4" and the XXS fits great (am typically an XS in most non-riding clothes). The bottom of the back touches the back of the seat of my saddle enough that I occasionally feel it, but not enough to be annoying. My saddle has a typical cantle for a dressage saddle. If it were higher that might be more of an issue.
I also have a Hit Air Advantage. Obviously quite comfortable just to wear on its own or over the Tipperary. I bought this for the protection of the neck roll. My only complaint about this vest is that it’s actually too short in the back, so it could be a good fit for you if that is your concern. I have come off with only this vest on and it did a great job everywhere except in the tailbone/gluteal area. That’s actually why I bought the Tipperary-to give me more coverage lower on my back.
The combo is is actually so comfy that I’ve started to wear both on a pretty regular basis, even in the ring. Between my age and previous injuries, I really don’t want to get hurt when I come off, and I consider the vests to be cheap insurance, kinda like wearing a helmet.
I bought this
https://www.doversaddlery.com/helite-gilet-air-shell-system/p/X1-400309/
and so far so good
Dover also suggested https://www.doversaddlery.com/chrls-owen-kontakt-5-body-prtc/p/W1-C40510A/?eid=X18A00U1000&utm_source=google&utm_medium=PLA&mrkgcl=1131&mrkgadid=3259505630&rkg_id=h-5454a856a53ce46a38db561324220614_t-1519737396&utm_campaign=NB_PLA_Retail_Mid-Atlantic_GOOG&adpos=1o1&creative=193813856093&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAiAoNTUBRBUEiwAWje2lnc3CjSUXcEqpJsv1_gYvr5xMBO7UhpK_hdisA-SGR9CJaPM9XgGTRoC-jsQAvD_BwE
but I wanted the neck protection
I bought the Tipperary Ride Lite short back vest five or six years ago for hacking out / going down the road [have a morbid fear of falling on tarmac]
http://www.equineperformance.com.au/…ck-safety-vest
It doesn’t bang the cantle - it moulds to your body after a few minutes and is quite comfortable.
It isn’t highly ‘rated’ and Australian jockeys are advised to wear the ‘Racesafe’ as the blocks in the Tipperary are not closely packed enough for the more high impact activities.
I didn’t know this until your question OP as being a dressage rider who occasionally hacks and does [tiny] jumps, on a usually sensible PSG schoolmaster, its not really crossed my radar.
This thread goes into detail…on vests.
https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/f…-eventer-rider
ddx
I have been eyeing the Helite Gilet soft vest. But since I was still sitting on my horse when he landed on his side…on pavement…an airbag vest is not always the answer. Then again, a regular vest would not have helped since what broke were my shoulder, elbow, knee and foot. I currently ride in a Tipperary.
Hi again - the Racesafe 3.0 has just become more widely available in Australia - not sure about the US, but this is the one I will buy next.
Its
- Maximum Protection: Reassurance of the highest BETA 2009 Level 3 protection. Certified to EN13158:2009 (Level 3).
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My husband and I ride in these: http://www.phoenixperformance.com/shop/1009-08-adult-ride-lite. The length is not annoying - but we don’t ride in the super-deep type of dressage saddles, so I don’t know how that would impact the fit. We’re in a warm climate, but the vests are quite bearable unless it’s really hot and the trail ride is long.
They can be washed, but have eventually acquired a seemingly permanent “patina” (we have colored vests, not black), over the years.
One positive that I didn’t expect is that wearing one of these is like the nicest sport bra ever, at least for me. Like a hug. I’ve even been able to ride in a non-sport bra, occasionally, with one of these – and I’m someone who doesn’t want anything to jiggle.
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I ride in the Tipperary Eventer.
I am petite and have a Youth XL as they are 2" shorter in the spine. I love the vest! This is the second one that I have had.
Most of the Air vests are recommended to be worn over top of the ‘Eventer’ or ‘Pro’ type vests.
My granddaughter has the Ride Lite and, as already mentioned, they are not as long in the spine, but they are also not as ‘flexible’ as the Eventer. Also not as pricey 
You should try some vests on and also sit in a saddle with them on.
I’ve been riding in the Airoware Outlyne for the past several months, every ride. I have found it surprisingly comfortable, although it does make me pretty sweaty in hot weather. I don’t have a super deep dressage saddle, but I haven’t had any problems with the back of it rubbing the cantle. I also ride in it when trail-riding.
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I also like the Tiperary eventer. I am very short waisted, and the Youth XL fits me well and isn’t too long
I wear an Airowear Outlyne and ride in a Western Saddle, never have an issue with it hitting the cantle. I forget i’m Wearing it most of the time, it is much a part of my outfit as helmet and boots. My major wreck was mounting, so an air vest would have been no help to me. I agree with @Jarpur best sports bra out!
